#NaijaVotes2019 implemented in the various senatorial District of Kogi State by Passionate and Patriotic Youths.

The quality of Nigeria’s 2019 elections will have repercussions on the future of democracy across the continent. This depends on citizens! Participating in elections is the foundation of the broader role citizens must play to keep a democracy strong and healthy. Youth are stepping up to play their part to ensure Nigeria continues to be a democratic country.

Young African Leaders Initiative YALI Network Kogi with partnership support of United state Embassy in Nigeria and working in collaboration with the CSOs in the State implemented NaijaVotes campaign which encourages Nigerian youth to: boost voter participation, promote voting with integrity, encourage truth and accuracy in information-sharing, and inspire communities to reject violence in west, central and east senatorial district of Kogi state.

Miss Bilikisi State Chairperson Advocacy for Women With Disability initiative AWWDI sensitiazing the citizen of Osaragada, Kogi Central on the roles women and special women have to play during the upcoming election

Mr. Mayaiki Program manager YALI Network Kogi with the people of Ejule, Kogi East

Vox Populi (Voice of the people) #Naijavotes at Lokoja Kogi West

Short video on #Naijavotes Community Dialogue in the various Senatorial District of Kogi.

Over 3000 persons reached directly across all three senatorial districts. From feedback received in the course of engagement. Vote Buying, Voter Apathy and Electoral Violence were the most pressing issues on the mind of the electorates. Responders also called for a more transparent and credible election process from the Independent and National Electoral Commission.

Personal Insights/Quotes

Before this Community Dialogue with YALI Network Kogi, I believe my vote doesn’t count, but now it does.- Mr. Idowu Musa Osaragada community Youth leader Kogi Central.

I can not risk my life to because I want to vote oo.. But i think i can even make the election safer for myself and my community – Mrs. Aisha Gatekeeper Osaragada community

Ejule, Lokoja and Osaragada Community at the East, West and Central Senatorial District respectively in Kogi State recieved our message with so much gladness , the negative narrative of electioneering process was changed and citizens in these communities were transformed greatly – Miss Eunice Emmanuel Bagi State coordinator YALI Network Kogi

Launch Of Peace Club Mentors’Guide and Inauguration of Peace Club in Pilot Schools in Kogi State.

PEACE CLUB is to bring about a change in awareness and patterns of thought which will lead to change in the behavior of young people. This will result in a way of living in which the values of mutual respect and tolerance for others and equal and just society will become a reality. It will be a society that regards peace as state of mind, a chosen value, a norm and a way of life.

The objectives of setting up Peace Clubs are not far fetch which are to improve young people’s leadership, cooperative problem solving and critical thinking skills that will aid their ability to become future leader and to improve young peoples understanding of cultural differences and similarities increase their respect and appreciation of diversity.

Mr. Oluwole Elegbede ably representing ActionAid Nigeria Country Director Mrs. Ene Obi giving a key note address at the program.

Participation Initiative For Behavioural Change in Development PIBCID and ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with Office of the Special Adviser to Kogi State Government on Education and Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and other stakeholders, put together a participatory toolkit that will contribute to peace building and the creation of more enabling environment where young people can actively channel their energies into positive endeavours towards national development and peaceful co-existence.

Pupils and Students of the schools present during their poem, Peace Club act and Drama presentation

500 Children from Igalamela/Odolu, Adavi and Lokoja Local Government Area were in attendance. The Program seeks to empower teachers and pupils with skills and knowledge of peace and conflict resolution.

500 Children present at the program

This will help them resolve their own conflict amicably at schools, homes and in the community and to carry out disputes and conflict prevention management in schools.

Goodwill Messages from Government Dignitaries, Non-governmental Organization, Association of Private Schools, Security Agencies and Religious Groups

This program has been designed to promote interaction between young people from a variety of backgrounds to build bridges for the future and to help strengthen a peaceful society in Kogi State. To help peace club members develop increased, leadership, cooperative problem solving and cross-cultural skills that they can use to promote friendship and improve understanding between their peers from diverse backgrounds

This project is self sustaining where we have the teachers of each schools as mentors and the project designed to spread across the State. – Mrs, Gift Omoniwa Executive Director PIBCID.

Mr. Anicetus Atakpu the program officer Human Security and Conflict Management in ActionAid Nigeria during a PowerPoint presentation at the program

The Main objective of the Club is to fight against Violence and adapt Peaceful methods to solve differences. It aims to prepare the pupils/students for building a peaceful world by empowering them with necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills. – Mr. Anicetus Atakpu Program Officer Human Security and Conflict Management ActionAid Nigeria

The Inauguration of the Peace Clubs in Pilot Schools in Kogi State by the representative of the State Governor Alhaja Yahaya Adoza Bello.

During the official launch of the Peace Club Mentors’Guide by the representative of the wife of the Executive Governor of Kogi State Mrs. Bolanle Ampitun the Commissioner of Women Affairs and social development.

Kogi Youth Advocacy Cluster sets up a press conference on Kogi Youth Development Commission Bill commemorating International Youth day 2018 celebration themed “Safe Spaces For Youths”.

International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations. The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth . The first IYD was observed on 12 August , 2000. It’s pertinent to note that this year international youth day, with the theme: “Safe Spaces for Youth” is very important for Sustainable youth development in Kogi state. This is because the youth need safe space where they can come together, engage in activities related to our diverse needs and interest, and participate in decision-making process to freely express themselves.

Kogi Youth Advocacy Cluster which is a coalition of Non-governmental Organization NGOs, Civil Society Organization CSOs, Youth focused group and Community Based Organization CBOs held a press conference on Kogi Youth Development Commission Bill to commemorate the International Youth Day 2018 on the 13th of August 2018 at the National Union of Journalist NUJ Press Centre Lokoja Kogi State. Kogi Youth Development Commission Bill is a necessary tool for youth empowerment and development. This bill would not have come at a better time than now that the world is turning attention to youth development. In line with the United Nations 2018, International Youth Day theme, this bill also seeks to advocate for “Safe Spaces For Youths”.

The bill shall help to create jobs & economic development opportunities through a legally established independent and recognized institution. Saddled solely with this important responsibility. It will attract counterpart funding from federal government and International donor agencies to fund youth development programs and activities in the state.

Okwutepa Aminu Oseni Cordinator Kogi Youth development Commission Bill #KYDC Bill giving a press briefing during the press conference at National Union of Journalist NUJ Press Centre Lokoja.

ActionAid Nigeria and Participation Initiative For Behavioural Change in Development PIBCID a Non – Governmental Organization in Kogi State whose core objective is “modifying behavior for positive change” and also an advocate for“Social Justice” offered technical support to the group by setting up an advocacy roundtable discussion on the bill which was held in Abuja on the 23rd of June 2018 and also supported the group with Information, Education and Communication IEC materials to help drive the campaign.

We are Solidly behind the great youths of Kogi State, for this bill will bring about sustainable development and will also reduce youth restiveness in the State. – Mrs Gift Omoniwa Executive Director Participation Initiative For Behavioural Change in Development PIBCID, also representing ActionAid Nigeria.

It is my earnest desire that we call for public hearing on this bill as soon as possible and expedite further action towards having a robust law for the development of youth in the State. – Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, representating Ankpa 1 Constituency at the Kogi State House of Assembly, the lead sponsor of the KYDCBILL.

Press men at the conference asking questions and commending youths for this great step taken.

The advocacy for the establishment of the bill was conducted against the background of poor funding, lack of collaboration and synergy between government agencies responsible for employment generation and implementation, lack of policy for sustainable youth programs which has emancipated poor youth orientation and mindset skill gap, high unemployment rate, under employment, youth restiveness and other social vices in the State.

This bill shall help to create jobs and economic development opportunities through a legally established independent and recognized institution. Therefore the Sustainability of this bill is paramount- Mr. Umar Danasebe Mohammed Executive Director Hands Across Africa Development Initiative

Group Photo at the press conference

PEACE CONCERT 2018: Visual art simulates Youths more – World Institute For Peace Kogi Branch.

The increasing participation of youths in violent activities in Nigeria in recent times is a source of worry to both policy-makers and researchers alike. Most violent activities, ranging from armed robbery, cultism, rape, street fighting, electoral violence, to violence during crises moments in Nigeria are being perpetrated by youths. Yet, the very future of this country depends on the kind of youths the present generation is able to nurture. Youths have a number of characteristics, which include physical stamina, exuberance, intelligence, and perseverance, among others. All these potentials, if properly harnessed, constitute an invaluable asset to any nation. Failure to fully harness these potentials in youths only spells disaster for the future of any nation.

World Institute for Peace Kogi State Branch an organization that is out to curbing menace in the society with the aim of promoting peace, Enhancing humanitarian services and persevering human rights held a Peace concert on the 4th of August 2018. The Organization used visual simulation which is a global art that could queue a range of positive emotion, communication, exploring the past, the present and the future.

The Movie HOTEL RWANDA of 2004 shows tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi peoples lead to a war in Rwanda, where corruption and bribes between politicians are routine. World Institute for Peace Kogi State Branch used the movie as medium to pass the message of peace to the citizens in Kogi state and across the country.

Photos of World Institute for Peace Kogi Team and the youths of Kogi State stands for Peace.

Peacebuilding on the other hand refers to the steps taken by multiple stakeholders towards establishing positive peace in the society. World Institute for Peace Kogi Branch as a Peace seeking organization launches the State Square as a “Peace Circle” for youths in the State to refer to the circle as point that will spark up the ideology of peaceful coexistence setting aside every differences (racism, Religious, Ethnicity). – Administrator World Institute For Peace Kogi State Branch.